Opinion Piece:

Uncensored, Bold City Columnist

Step right up folks, welcome to the rollercoaster of a trial that has been unraveling since a summer's day in 2022. Toronto-based city columnist, Edward Keenan, gives you a front-row seat to the drama unfolding in the courtroom. Reach him directly at [email protected]

In the florescent glare of courtroom No. 8 at the Barrie Courthouse, Toronto city Coun. Michael Thompson casually passed the time, counting down the days, hours, and minutes since he was indicted with two counts of sexual assault. Despite Leora Shemesh, Thompson's attorney, stating earlier that the delays in the trial had been "excruciating," Thompson held on to hope that a resolution was imminent.

The controversial events at the heart of the trial took place in July 2022. Two women bravely allege that the 65-year-old politician assaulted them over a long weekend at a Muskoka cottage. One testified that he slipped his hands beneath her bathing suit to grope her breasts and buttocks while applying suntan lotion; another recounted being awakened from a drunken slumber and forced himself upon her.

The charges were brought to light in September 2022, but it took a staggering two years before the trial kicked off in October 2024. The trial, which was initially planned to last five days, has stretched out over seven grueling months since then.

Last month, Thompson's lawyer voiced Thompson's frustration with the delays, but one can only imagine the emotional toll it has taken on the two women who claim to be his victims, as well as his colleagues, constituents, and the entire city of Toronto who have been left in limbo.

For over a year, Thompson has kept his side of the story untold, save for a blanket denial of any wrongdoing. During an election campaign where he was reelected, Thompson offered no explanation or insight into the allegations.

But finally, the long silence ended this week, as Thompson took the stand to defend himself in a criminal trial. However, one wouldn't have gathered from the courtroom's low level of media presence that such a significant event was taking place. Only a handful of news cameras showed up to capture images of the Toronto politician entering and exiting with his legal team. The street was instead filled with residents of a nearby shelter seeking refuge.

During his testimony, Thompson issued a comprehensive denial of all the testimony of the three women who testified for the Crown. His accounts were meticulous, recalling minute details about the other witnesses' families, situations, and requests. The problem lies in the irreconcilability of Thompson's version of events with those of the three other witnesses who have testified. Accepting his version would require an almost impossible leap of faith, suggesting that these three women, strangers to one another, and only slightly acquainted with Thompson, made up most of the relevant events and dialogue.

Now that the testimonies have been presented, the judge will decide whether Thompson's version raises reasonable doubts about the Crown's specific criminal allegations against him. But this trial goes beyond just a criminal trial. As an elected official, Thompson's behavior will be scrutinized not only in a court of law, but in the court of public opinion. The trial's outcome holds legal implications, but it also poses moral, political questions about Thompson's conduct.

Time will tell whether Thompson will be acquitted in the eyes of the law, but the waiting game is over. His colleagues, constituents, and the people of Toronto are now free to form their own opinions about Thompson's guilt or innocence. It will be fascinating to hear their reactions, or if they choose to remain silent. Stay tuned, folks, this story is far from over.

Opinion articles are based on the author's interpretations and judgments of facts, data, and events.

Background Information

Michael Thompson is a Toronto City Councillor who was charged with two counts of sexual assault.
The allegations against Thompson were made by two women who claim he inappropriately touched them during a Canada Day weekend gathering at a Muskoka cottage in 2022.
The trial began in October 2024, with Thompson providing testimony under oath.
The trial has experienced numerous delays, prompting concerns from Thompson's legal team and some of the accused's constituents.

[1] Thompson's attorney argues that the allegations were consensual and that there was mutual flirtation between Thompson and the accuser.

[2] According to an article by John Michel deputy mayor of Barrie, the cross-examination of Thompson took place during May 8-9, 2025.

[3] The Star article mentions the threat of a mistrial application but does not provide further details.

[4] The Star article does not provide any detailed account of the judge's ruling on the matter.

[5] This information is not mentioned in the original article but was found in another source, cbc.ca, which states that the trial is expected to resume on May 29, 2025.

In a Toronto-based city column, Edward Keenan sheds light on the ongoing trial involving Michael Thompson, a city councillor charged with two counts of sexual assault.
With the trial of Michael Thompson unfolding in the courtroom, the city councilor's attorney has asserted that the allegations were consensual and based on mutual flirtation between Thompson and his accuser.
The media presence at the controversial trial of Michael Thompson, a Toronto City Councillor, has been lowkey, with only a handful of news cameras capturing his entrance and exit from the court during his testimony.
The outcome of the trial for Michael Thompson, who is on trial for sexual assault charges, has legal implications but also poses moral and political questions about his conduct, influencing how the people of Toronto form their opinions about him.
As the trial of Michael Thompson, Toronto City Councillor, is set to resume on May 29, 2025, the people of Toronto eagerly await the judge's decision, form their own opinions, and witness the reactions of his colleagues and constituents.